Update: Arlington Lifts Advisory for Arlington Branch, Lower Long Branch and Four Mile Run

April 16, 2013

Discharge naturally flushed from streams

Public advised to follow normal stream precautions

ARLINGTON, Va. – Arlington County has lifted the advisory it issued on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 for Arlington Branch, Lower Long Branch, and Four Mile Run downstream of West Glebe Road to the Potomac River. The advisory was issued following a sewage release due to a blockage in a sanitary sewer line. The blockage was cleared the same day the advisory was posted.

The County took the precautionary measure of notifying residents to avoid contact with stream water downstream from the spill site until further notice. The precaution was issued to allow time for the effect of the release to be diminished by natural flushing of the streams.

Arlington County now recommends that residents resume adherence to its normal guidelines for safe use of urban streams. Residents are reminded that stream water can contain microorganisms that can make people sick, whether the stream is located in an urban area or in the middle of a forest. Even after the discharge is naturally flushed from the streams, the County's normal precautions for safe use of streams apply. You can find information and safety tips on Arlington streams, including information on reporting stream pollution incidents, on the Department of Environmental Services website.

Arlington Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the “10 miles square” parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. Slightly smaller than 26 square miles, it is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, and one of only a handful with the prized Aaa/AAA/AAA bond rating. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods and quality schools, and has received numerous awards for Smart Growth and transit-oriented development. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world — including the Pentagon — Arlington stands out as one of America's preeminent places to live, visit and do business.